Suit settled over harassment at apartment complex

ROLLA, Mo. (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department has reached a $295,000 settlement with operators of a mid-Missouri housing complex over complaints of sexual harassment, race and sex discrimination.

The settlement announced Monday resolves a Fair Housing Act lawsuit filed Friday against the manager and operators of Forum Manor Apartments, a federally-subsidized complex in Rolla.

The suit alleged that former manager Roger Harris engaged in sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, intimidation and coercion against current and prospective tenants. The agreement requires payment of $260,000 to 13 victims and a $35,000 civil penalty to the U.S. government.

Messages seeking comment from the apartment complex operators, and from an attorney for Harris, were not returned.